Friday, some Miami University students witnessed the defacement of the quintessential image of the university. The seal was painted over by a red and blue Yin-Yang-like symbol. The motive behind the action is unclear and the vandal is still unknown but the action disrespects the traditions of the university.
The seal is embedded in the sidewalk (in the Hub) adjacent to another famous Miami symbol, Upham Arch. For years, Miami students have heard the superstition that promises a failing exam grade if one walks across the copper circle. The tradition is to not step on the seal out of respect for Miami's history.
Even if the threat is a myth, most students respect the significance and choose to awkwardly walk around the seal. Within the circle, there are three elements represented: an open book, a globe and a telescope. Together, each element symbolizes the university's past, present and future. Independently, each element asks questions about the meaning of life, success and man's place in the world. The circle also includes the Latin words: Prodesse Quam Conspici. These words translate into Miami's motto, "to accomplish without being conspicuous." These words were apparently lost on the person who defaced the seal with paint. Instead, the act was conspicuously achieved.
The editorial board of The Miami Student recognizes that students are not supposed to deeply invest meaning in a piece of copper in the ground. At the same time, the seal is an icon with meaning. It represents the intangible qualities and esteemed legacy by the university with a tangible tradition. As minute as the act seems, marring the seal is disrespectful to the legacy of those who came before.
Even if a superstition seems silly, the seal was established in the 1950s as a symbol to encourage restoration between the traditions of old and new Miami. Next time, choose to respect Miami's legacy instead of making an unknown artistic statement with symbols that encourage a state of balance.
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